God-sent Shafali Verma unfazed by Aussie firepower before semifinal test

New Delhi: India suffered a major setback ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 semi-final when opening batter Pratika Rawal was ruled out of the tournament due to injury. Her replacement, 21-year-old Shafali Verma, is now “200% ready” to perform for India. Despite being out of the ODI team for a year, Shafali said she is full of confidence and wants to make the most of this opportunity.

Shafali revealed that her return to the team was an emotional moment for her. She said,

“When I came back to the team, everyone was very loving and welcoming. The captain, coach, and Smriti Mandhana told me to just play my game, there’s no pressure.”

Shafali says she is ready to play in any position, whether opening or in the middle order, and simply trusts her natural game.